top of page

Create Your First Project

Start adding your projects to your portfolio. Click on "Manage Projects" to get started

The Mask We Wear

Project type

Paintings

The Mask We Wear: "Portraits of Black Life" portrays experiences of Black individuals, exploring the strength, resilience, and often-unseen struggles inherent in navigating a world not designed for them. Traditional African masks serve as a powerful visual motif, symbolizing both ancestral connection and the masks Black people often wear to navigate a society marked by prejudice. These portraits are more than just representations of jobs or poses; they are powerful statements about the constant fight for existence, recognition, and celebration of Black identity in the face of systemic challenges. Each piece invites the viewer to look beyond the surface, to see the humanity, the beauty, and the enduring spirit that lies beneath the masks we are often forced to wear.

© 2025 A. Aku Art

  • Instagram
  • Threads
bottom of page